How much does it cost to stain concrete floors?
How much does it cost to stain concrete floors?
$3 – $15 average cost per square foot
$300 – $15,000 average total cost (100 – 1,000 SF)
Stained concrete floors cost per square foot
The average cost to stain existing concrete floors is $3 to $15 per square foot, including labor. Water-based stain costs $3 to $15 per square foot installed, while acid-based stain costs $3 to $25 per square foot. The price of staining concrete floors yourself is $35 to $60 per gallon.
| Service level | Average cost per square foot* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $3 – $5 | Simple, single color and sealant |
| Intermediate | $5 – $10 | Two colors and sealant |
| Upgraded | $10 – $15 | Multiple colors, patterns, sealant, and slab preparation |
| High-end | $15 – $25 | Complex designs with stencils, scoring to mimic stone or tile |
*Cost to stain an existing concrete floor
Average stained concrete floors cost by size
Stained concrete floor costs increase according to the floor size, as shown in the following table:
| Area size (square feet) | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| 100 | $300 – $1,500 |
| 200 | $600 – $3,000 |
| 500 | $1,500 – $7,500 |
| 750 | $2,300 – $11,300 |
| 1,000 | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| 1,500 | $4,500 – $22,500 |
| 2,000 | $6,000 – $30,000 |
| 2,500 | $7,500 – $37,500 |
*Cost to stain an existing concrete floor
Cost to stain concrete by location
Stained concrete garage floor cost
A stained concrete garage floor costs $5 to $25 per square foot, depending on the level of service. Most garage floors are intermediate or upgraded in quality.
In comparison, epoxy flooring costs $4 to $10 per square foot. Epoxy-coated concrete is durable and lightweight but doesn't do well in hot or humid locations.
| Garage size | Average total cost* |
|---|---|
| 1-car | $1,400 – $9,800 |
| 2-car | $2,000 – $14,400 |
| 3-car | $2,900 – $21,600 |
*Cost to stain an existing concrete floor
Stained concrete basement floor cost
Staining a concrete basement floor costs $5 to $25 per square foot, depending on the level of service. Indoor concrete floors are typically intermediate to high-end in quality.
| Basement size | Average total cost* |
|---|---|
| Small basement (500-800 SF) | $2,500 – $20,000 |
| Average basement (800-1,200 SF) | $4,000 – $30,000 |
| Large basement (1,200-2,000 SF) | $6,000 – $50,000 |
*Cost to stain an existing concrete floor
Stained concrete driveway cost
A stained concrete driveway costs $8 to $25 per square foot installed, including pouring the slab and staining the surface. The stain quality level for most concrete driveways is intermediate or upgraded.
| Driveway size | Square feet | Cost to stain* |
|---|---|---|
| Single driveway | 200 – 288 | $1,600 – $7,200 |
| Double driveway | 400 – 576 | $3,200 – $14,400 |
*Including pouring the concrete driveway and staining
Stained concrete patio cost
A basic or intermediate stain on an existing concrete patio costs $3 to $10 per square foot. A new concrete patio costs $5 to $15 per square foot installed for a plain gray slab or $8 to $25 per square foot installed for a stained patio with a design or pattern.
| Patio size | Average total cost to stain* |
|---|---|
| Small bistro patio (10' x 10') | $300 – $1,000 |
| Dining patio (12' x 14') | $500 – $1,700 |
| Large patio (16' x 18') | $860 – $2,900 |
*Staining only; cost does not include pouring the concrete slab
Concrete floor staining cost factors
The following factors affect staining costs:
Floor location & accessibility – Staining may take longer to complete around doorways, stairs, or if there are any obstacles. Square or rectangular floors cost less to stain than oddly shaped floors.
Design complexity – Difficult patterns and designs with multiple colors cost more than a basic, single-color stain.
Surface prep – Concrete floors with stains, paint, or coatings must be cleaned before work begins. This includes using a sander or chemicals to strip the concrete.
Labor – Concrete staining contractors typically include labor costs in their estimates. Complex designs and finishes may increase labor costs.
Polishing – A polished concrete floor costs $3 to $12 per square foot, depending on the finish, color, design, and texture. Polished concrete is not suitable for outdoor use but requires less maintenance than stained concrete.
Cost to stain and seal a concrete floor
Concrete sealing costs $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on the sealant type. Acrylic and polyurethane are cheaper than epoxy and are better for outdoor use. However, epoxy lasts longer and is more durable. Sealing is typically included when staining concrete.
Stained concrete should be sealed every 1 to 3 years to prevent premature cracking and damage.
Water vs. acid stain concrete cost
Water-based stains cost less than acid-based stains but are harder to work with. Concrete dye takes less time to dry but is not suitable for outdoor concrete.
| Stain type | Average installed cost per square foot | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Acid-based | $3 – $25 | Low toxicity polymers, easy to apply |
| Water-based | $3 – $15 | Bolder colors but harder to work with |
| Concrete dye | $3 – $25 | Dries faster than stain but fades in the sun |
Cost to stain concrete floors yourself
Staining concrete floors yourself costs $35 to $60 per gallon for the stain alone. One gallon of DIY concrete stain covers 200 square feet. Sanding, cleaning, and sealing will increase your final cost. Remember to use safety gear such as goggles, gloves, and a respirator or mask.
Semi-transparent stains enhance the natural texture of the concrete, while solid stains look more like paint.
Concrete & cement staining FAQs
Are stained concrete floors expensive?
Staining concrete floors can be more expensive than installing carpet, laminate, or some types of tile and hardwood. In comparison, the average cost of flooring installation is $4 to $15 per square foot, depending on the material.
| Flooring type | Average cost per SF installed | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stained concrete | $8 – $25* |
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| Carpet cost | $2 – $8 |
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| Polished concrete cost | $3 – $15 |
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| Tile floor cost | $10 – $50 |
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| Laminate floor cost | $4 – $14 |
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| Hardwood floor cost | $7 – $25 |
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| Bamboo floor cost | $7 – $17 |
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*Including pouring and staining the concrete.
Do stained concrete floors add value to a home?
Stained concrete floors add value to a home because they are low maintenance and more attractive than plain, unsealed concrete.
How long does it take to stain concrete floors?
Staining concrete floors takes 1 to 3 days, including drying time, but cannot be done until the concrete is fully cured.
How long does a stained concrete floor last?
The stain on concrete floors lasts 5 to 20 years with regular maintenance, which includes waxing or sealing every 1 to 3 years.
Can you stain existing concrete floors?
Yes, you can stain existing concrete floors. However, the floor must be properly cleaned and stripped to remove the oil or sealant on surface first.
How do you clean stained concrete floors?
Clean stained concrete floors by dry dust mopping or wet mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner like Dawn dish soap or Zep cleaner. A steam mop removes deeper grime and is safe for stained concrete.
Is it better to stain or paint concrete floors?
Staining concrete floors is better because it penetrates the concrete instead of coating it. Staining looks more natural and does not chip or flake like paint. In order to stain painted concrete, the paint must be removed first.
Getting estimates from concrete staining professionals
Before hiring concrete staining companies or local concrete floor contractors, remember to:
Compare several estimates from companies with 5+ years of experience.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Confirm they are licensed, insured, and bonded.
Beware of the lowest quotes, which usually result in low-quality work.
Ask for a written estimate and contract before the work starts.
Only make final payments after the job is complete.
Questions to ask
Ask the following questions to find the best concrete contractor:
How many years of experience do you have staining concrete?
Can I see pictures of past projects?
How long will the project take, including drying time?
Does this project require a permit?
What type of stain do you recommend?
Does this estimate include materials, labor, and cleanup?
What unexpected costs usually come up for this kind of project?
Do you offer a warranty? If so, what does it include?